Running Gear: Needs vs. Nice To Haves

They say running is a cheap sport, but anyone who has priced out a new pair of running shoes knows that isn’t the case. What is true of running is it’s as complicated (and expensive) as you want to make it.

I think of running gear as falling into two camps: need to haves and nice to haves.

Gear You Need

There are two essential pieces of running gear – one applies to every runner, the other applies only to a subset of runners.

Shoes

To be a lifelong runner, you need to protect your body from the forces of running.

Go to a reputable running store and get fitted for a pair of shoes that will work for you, your running goals, and your physiology. There are shoe bargains to be had, so don’t let the prices scare you (too much).

I usually end up buying last season’s shoes when they go on clearance to save a few bucks. No one will care they are last season’s colors.

Jog Bra

If you are a lady with a large chest, a quality jog bra is worth its weight in gold.

The forces of running and how those forces impact your chest is no joke. I’m still working on a polite way to stop runners I see who clearly need a supportive jog bra and suggest they go bra shopping.

Beyond ‘Need’ – Running Nice To Haves

But where’s the fun in sticking only with the things you absolutely need?

Adding in a few ‘nice to haves’ will make your running even more fun.

But beware of the potential to use the hunt for ‘the perfect…’ as a procrastination technique, especially if you are a beginner (as in, “I’d love to start running, but I need to find the perfect fill in the blank first”).

With everything other than shoes, start with what you have and upgrade. Or start without the extras and acquire gear as you run. I’ve been known to use the purchase of non-essential running gear as a reward for meeting my running goals (I’ve always been a fan of self-bribery).

GPS (or equivalent app)

These come in all levels.

Some GPS watches are pretty basic and only tell you your distance and pace. Others are basically full-on computers that can tell you 80 different stats about your run.

Weather Appropriate Gear

Never use bad weather as an excuse to not run – you can run in any conditions with the right gear.

Besides, running in the rain is actually really fun, I swear. Getting started on a rainy run isn’t always fun and heading out the door on a rainy day is tough. But once you get going? It’s fun – how many chances do you get to jump in puddles as an adult?

Shoe Usage Tracker

Don’t mess around with your shoes. They are the first and last line of defense to protect your body from the forces of running, but they don’t last forever.

Since a new pair can be so expensive, it can be tempting to push out buying a new pair as long as possible. You can also easily lose track of how many miles you’ve run.

Running shoes usually last between 300-500 miles, but how many miles your shoes will last can vary greatly based on make and model (check out the website for your shoes or ask a reputable running store for the specifics of your shoe model).

Many running apps, like Strava and Garmin Connect, have automated tools to track shoe mileage.

Running Journal

To be a successful runner, you not only need to train your body but you also need to train your brain.

Runners should pay attention to their mindset, what they are thinking about on the run, and what is going on in their lives that may impact their running (it is shocking how much non-running stresses can negatively impact your running).

One great way to do this is to keep a running journal and spend a few minutes after each run considering the mental and physical aspects of the run.

When you pay attention to all facets of your run on a regular basis, you can more easily see the patterns and make changes to improve your running.

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